Michigan in the News

Peter Railton, John Stephenson Perrin Professor of Philosophy, wrote an op-ed article in The New York Times on the relationship between evolution, Darwinism and human morality.

The Detroit Free Press quoted Dr. Byron Thompson, professor of neurosurgery, otolaryngology and radiology, about the advantages of 3D surgery. U-M is first in the state and one of only 50 sites nationwide with the technology.

Kent Berridge, James Olds Collegiate Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience, commented in ScienceNews on a study of genetic influences on social drinking.

Susan Collins, the Joan and Sanford Weill Dean of Public Policy at the Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, meets with Congressmen John Dingell (D-Michigan) and Fred Upton (R-Michigan) during a breakfast on Capitol Hill. Collins hosted the July 22 event, which welcomed about 70 college students interning at congressional offices throughout Michigan. (Photo by Phil Rudd, U-M Washington Office)

U-M makes Chronicle best workplaces listFor the third consecutive year, U-M is featured in the Chronicle of Higher Education’s Great Colleges to Work For, the publication’s editors announced today (July 26). The university also made this year’s honor roll, a list of 39 two- and four-year institutions that are recognized the most in several categories.

ITS looks to the future with green IT at U-M Since the March 2008 kick-off, nine project teams racked up many accomplishments in the name of the Climate Savers Computing Initiative @ U-M. While the project has ended, its work will persevere. ITS aims to make sustainability a natural part of the U-M IT culture and offer resources and new services to campus.

Former ISR director Juster dies at 83Economist F. Thomas Juster, a former director of the Institute for Social Research, and the founding director of the landmark U-M Health & Retirement Study, died Wednesday in Ann Arbor. He was 83. A funeral mass will take place 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Mary's Chapel at U-M.

URC study: Manufacturing 'alive and well in Michigan'More than 381,000 people at 11,000 Michigan firms are working in high-tech, highly productive advanced manufacturing jobs — nearly two-thirds of the state's manufacturing base, according to a new University Research Corridor study. The study was released today (July 21) as part of a bus tour showcasing URC institutions U-M, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

UMHS launches massive medical information technology overhaulThe U-M Health System has embarked on a multi-year journey to completely transform the way its physicians, nurses, other care providers and administrators use information technology in every U-M hospital, clinic and office. UMHS recently signed a contract with Epic Systems Corporation for the first stage of a multi-year effort that will involve hundreds of UMHS computing and clinical staff.

University partners with chemistry firm at North Campus Research ComplexU-M has forged an important public-private partnership at the North Campus Research Complex, with the arrival of an award-winning, green chemistry firm in space at the former Pfizer property. The firm, BoroPharm, is a chemical development and manufacturing business founded in 2005 by two Michigan State University professors. The firm began moving in mid-May to Building 40, a specialized free-standing chemical production building at the NCRC.

Public forum set for campus sustainability Integrated Assessment The Graham Environmental Sustainability Institute and Office of Campus Sustainability have partnered to lead an Integrated Assessment of options for a more sustainable U-M. A public forum from 3:30-5 p.m. July 26 will present preliminary recommendations from Phase One of the project.

Working for the weekendWeekends are a bit livelier at the Stephen M. Ross School of Business ever since the Part-time MBA Program launched its two-year weekend format in May. The incoming class counts 63 candidates from around the country. Nearly 50 percent live outside Southeast Michigan. The weekend format allows students to complete the part-time MBA in a shorter time than the evening program, and with one unified cohort of students.

U-M to invest in international travel software programsThe university will be investing in two software systems that will facilitate better management of international experiences for U-M students and faculty. The Travel Registry and Studio Abroad systems will increase U-M’s ability to manage its portfolio of international activities.

Art fairs return Wednesday-SaturdayContinuing a tradition that begin in 1960, four art fair groups and the community this week will celebrate what is considered one of the most prestigious and popular such events in the country. The fairs happen from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday on streets ringing the Central Campus and along Liberty and Main streets downtown.
• Street and parking changes related to the art fairs.

Henry Russel awardees, lecturer named for 2011Richard Janko, the Gerald F. Else Collegiate Professor of Classical Studies, has been named the Henry Russel Lecturer for 2011. Also, three faculty researchers will receive the Henry Russel Award, one of the highest honors the university bestows upon junior faculty. Chosen were Anthony Grbic and Anna Michalak of the College of Engineering, and David Harding of LSA.

Regents approve golf practice facility schematic designsThe Board of Regents on Thursday approved the schematic design of a new practice facility for the men’s and women’s golf programs. The $2.5 million, 10,000-gross-square-foot facility will be located off of South Main Street on the west side of the U-M Golf Course driving range.
• Regents also took action regarding the Institute for Social Research and Crisler Arena, the academic computing center, the 2010-11 regents meeting schedule and committee structure, and the endowment payout.

Thousands flock to Michigan Stadium for firsthand view of renovationsApproximately 15,000 Wolverine football fans streamed into the Big House on Wednesday to see the new seating, suites and other amenities that are part of a three-year renovation project. The athletic department announced that Michigan Stadium’s seating capacity for 2010 will be 109,901, allowing it to reclaim its title as the largest collegiate or professional football venue in the United States.

U-M earns No. 14 ranking among nation's best hospitalsThe U-M Hospitals and Health Centers have been ranked among the country’s best hospitals, placing 14th overall for the second consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report magazine. This year, U-M was ranked in every specialty, and rankings went up in 11 of the 16 specialties.

The Michigan Difference

A son of Ghana returns
With more than a million frequent-flyer miles to his credit, Kofi Gyan arguably lives not in the United States or his native Ghana, but somewhere in the air between them. Gyan, who received his Master of Public Health degree from U-M in 1996, is program manager for all U-M health-related programs in Ghana. He is especially keen to help lift the burden of infant and maternal mortality in Ghana.